Weight lifting device

ABSTRACT

A barbell-engageable weight lifting device having a body adapted for a rotational engagement on a barbell which is used during weight lifting. Handles extending from a sidewall of the body provide hand grips for a user who uses the barbell during exercise to help maintain the barbell in position. Curved portions of the handles or ball shaped ends of the handles prevent slippage of the grip of the user off the ends of the handles.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/673,626, filed on May 18, 2018, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference thereto.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to weight lifting. More particularly, it relates to a balance-improving device which is engageable to a barbell to aid a user in maintaining control of the weighted barbell during a squatting exercise and the like. Concurrently, the device allows for a more comfortable grip and posture for the user during such squat exercises.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a weight training regimen, while many users choose weight machines on which to exercise, other users prefer to employ conventional barbells with weights engaged on opposing ends of the barbell. Further, for some exercises there is no available weight machine for such users to employ and they must use weighted barbells for the exercise.

For example, weightlifting, where weight-based exercise of the legs is desired, for example squats, lunges and calf exercises, can be difficult to accomplish, and in some cases dangerous, where heavy weights are engaged to the barbell being employed.

Conventionally, when exercising various leg muscles using free weights engaged on a bar, the user must position the weight-laden bar in front of or behind their neck where it is held in a precarious position during the leg exercises such as squats. During the exercise where the heavy barbell is held under the neck, and against the upper torso of the user, it requires the user to bend their wrists in an unnatural fashion toward their neck while concurrently maintaining a grip around the heavy bar which has heavy weights engaged at opposing ends.

This unnatural positioning of the arms and wrists is not only uncomfortable, it can easily result in injury to the user or spotter, should the heavy bar drop, should they lose their balance or lose their grip on the bar which is held precariously against their upper chest. Further still, because of the uncomfortable body, arm, and wrist positioning required for squat exercises and the like, many people who enjoy and participate in weight training, avoid leg exercises with free weights which also help strengthen the torso and other muscles.

The bar engageable device herein described and disclosed provides a solution to the shortcomings present in weight lifting for those wishing to use free weights engaged to opposite ends of a bar for squat and similar exercises. The device provides handle grips which are located in positions allowing more natural gripping and a more comfortable positioning and balancing of the weighted bar against the body of the user. Further, the grips are formed by members extending from engagements to a body of the device, which is adapted to rotationally engage upon the bar to which weights are engaged. This removable rotational engagement allows the device to rotate during squats and other exercises to allow the user to maintain a comfortable and ergonomic grip on both members providing grips to the hands.

The forgoing examples of related art as to free weights engaged with barbells for leg exercises and limitation related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive, and they do not imply any limitations on the invention described and claimed herein. Various limitations of the related art will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the specification below and the accompanying drawings.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide an easily engageable grip device adapted to removably rotationally engage around any conventional bar to which weights are engaged for exercising.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such a device which is easily engaged or disengaged to any bar employed with weights thereon without modification to the bar itself, to encourage widespread use and thereby reduce injuries and encourage squat and other exercises.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present bar grip aiding invention, as well as the advantages thereof over existing prior art, which will become apparent from the description to follow, are accomplished by the improvements described in this specification. Such are additionally described in the following detailed description which fully discloses the invention, but should not be considered as placing limitations thereon.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the purposes of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a solution to the uncomfortable and unnatural hand and wrist positioning required of weight lifters desiring to perform leg exercises such as squats while holding the metal bar engaged with weights at opposing ends against their upper chest. Conventionally, the weight lifter must hold the weight-laden bar with their hands while their wrists are bent unnaturally. The device herein, once rotationally engaged on the bar, provides for the repositioning of the hands and wrists of users to a more ergonomic position during such exercises. Concurrently, this repositioning of the hands and wrists also provides for better positioning to achieve balance and control of the bar with the heavy weights attached. Consequently, both user safety and comfort are enhanced with the device engaged.

The device features an elongated body portion having an axial passage running between a first end and second end of the body. The diameter of the axial passage is sized to form a frictional rotational contact with and around a conventional elongated bar to which weights are engaged at opposing ends and which is gripped during squat type leg exercises.

From the body portion of the device extends a first member and a second member, both of which are engaged at respective first ends to the elongated body, and both of which extend to distal ends. The first member and second member extend from a central area of the body of the device in between the first and second end. They are spaced from each other a distance to position both the first member and second member in front of the chest of the user during use, while the body rotationally engaged upon the bar which communicates through the axial passage. This spacing can be a space determined to be an average adapted for easy gripping by both hands of users in an ergonomic position, or it may be adjusted and customized for individual users such as elite athletes with their own gyms or customized training. Further, the body of the device may be formed to allow a sliding engagement of the two projecting members so they may be adjusted for the user.

The first and second members extending from engagements to the body of the device may be linear or in the preferred mode of the device, both may have a curved portion in a central area of each member positioned between the first end and distal end. Alternatively, grip enhancement may be positioned at the distal ends of each member. Such includes ball or globe shaped components or a curved portion extending from the distal end having a diameter thereof wider than a diameter of each member.

The device is engageable to a bar of a barbell to an as-used position, by a positioning of the bar within the axial passage of the body such that the body can rotate upon the bar. This axial engagement is in a central portion of the bar, in between where weights are attached to both ends thereof.

With the body portion rotationally engaged around the bar having weights engaged at opposing ends, where provided, the curved areas will curve upward between the first end and second end of both members providing non slip grips for both hands of the user. This upward curved area thereby positions the hands of the user gripping the first and second members in the curved area, in a saddle type of engagement where the hands will not easily slip in either direction during use.

In other preferred modes, balls or globes may be positioned at the distal ends of both the first and second members to form a slip prevention barrier to prevent the sliding of the user's hands from either member. The balls may be included on straight or curved members but must have a diameter thereof which is larger than a diameter of the member to which it engages to provide slipping prevention.

In an additional preferred mode of the device, curved end portions may be positioned at the distal end areas of each of the two members. These curved end portions can provide additional areas for gripping as well as prevent the sliding of the hands of the user from the end of the members. Optionally, the curved end portions can be rotationally engaged to allow the user to position them to curve up or downward during use if such is more comfortable for the individual user.

The body portion may be formed of plastic or polymeric material or from fiberglass or carbon fiber material, or in some case may be formed of metal where the axial passage is engaged around the bar from one end of the bar prior to engagement of weights thereon. In a particularly preferred mode of the device, the body can be formed of the above noted materials which are adapted to flex to allow a passage running along the length of the body to temporarily enlarge to allow the body to slide over the bar for both engagement and disengagement.

Still further, it is envisioned that in an OEM version of a bar, the device and disclosed embodiments thereof herein could be permanently connected in a rotating engagement or even on fixed bearings on the bar, thereby permanently positioning the device on a bar which is engaged with weights at opposing ends.

During use with the device in the as-used position where the body is rotationally engaged around the bar, the user will grip both the first member and second member and use their hands to maintain the position of the bar on or against their person during exercises and maintain their hands, arms, and wrists in an ergonomic positioning. Further, the elongated first and second members provide the user with a mechanical advantage when holding the elongated and weighted bar in the proper position against their body during exercising. This makes the weighted bar more easily balanced while held in position during squats and other exercises.

With respect to the above description, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the herein disclosed rotationally engageable weight bar grip invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The bar grip device herein described and disclosed in the various modes and combinations is also capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways which will be obvious to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure. Any such alternative configuration as would occur to those skilled in the art is considered within the scope of this patent. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for designing of other weighted bar engageable devices which provide hand grips and a rotational bar engagement, and for carrying out the several purposes of the present disclosed device. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction and methodology insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate some but not the only nor exclusive examples of embodiments and/or features of the disclosed weight bar engageable hand grip device. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative of the invention herein, rather than limiting in any fashion.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 depicts the device in an as-used position with a body portion rotationally engaged upon a central area of a weight bar, in between the weights on opposing ends, and shows the user having individual hands gripping central areas of each of two members extending from the body.

FIG. 2 depicts a top perspective view of a favored mode of the device as shown in FIG. 1 and shows the rotational engagement of the body portion in an as-used position centrally positioned on a bar to which weights are engaged at opposing ends.

FIG. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of the device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 depicting the upward curved central portions of the first and second member extending from the body.

FIG. 4 shows a lower perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, showing the first and second members spaced a distance apart and extending from first ends engaged with the body of the device and showing an opening for insertion of a bar therethrough to operative rotational engagement with the body of the device.

FIG. 5 shows the device having first and second members employable for hand grips which are linear and do not curve as those shown in other views, and also shows the line along which a flexible body may be separated during engagement of the body around a bar for weights.

FIG. 6 depicts the device having ball-shaped members at the distal ends of both of the first and second members extending from engagements with the body of the device.

FIG. 7 depicts the device having hooked portions extending from the distal ends of each of the first and second members.

FIG. 8 shows a mode of the device having hooked portions extending from distal ends of both the first and second members and having curved portions.

FIG. 9 depicts the device in a similar manner to FIG. 8, but showing the optional rotational engagement of the hooked portions to the first and second members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Now referring to drawings in FIGS. 1-9, wherein similar components are identified by like reference numerals, there is seen in FIG. 1 the device 10 engaged in an as-used position where a body 12 of the device 10 is in a rotational engagement around a bar 14 to which weights 15 are engaged at opposing ends during exercise with the bar 14.

This preferred rotational engagement is provided by an axial passage 16 which communicates through the body 12 between a first side and second side thereof. As noted, the axial passage 16 is formed to have a diameter which is equal to or just slightly larger, than the diameter of the bar 14 around which it is adapted to engage in a rotational engagement. Experimentation has shown that this is much better than a fixed engagement which would not rotate because it provides for smooth rotation when required by the suer moving the bar and balancing it during exercise.

As shown in FIG. 1 as well in FIGS. 2-9, a first member 18 has a first end engaged with the body 12 and extends to a distal end 19. As also shown in the figures, a second member 20 is also engaged to the body 12 at a first end and extends to a distal end 21. Preferably, the curved portions 22 of the first member 18 and second member 20, are preferably positioned in a central area of each of the first member 18 and second member 20. Where hook shaped end sections 30 are provided as in FIGS. 7-9, the curved portions 22 would be positioned between the connection of the first and second members 18 and 20 to the body 12, and ends of both members at a point where they begin to curve to form hook shaped end sections 30.

As noted and as shown in FIG. 1, the curved portions 22 preferably curve or project upward (away from the feet of the user) with the device 10 in the as-used position such that hands gripping the curved portions 22 will form grips thereon. These grips will be slightly elevated above both the first ends and distal ends 19 and 21 of the first member 18 and second member 20. This positioning within the curved portions 22 of the hands of the user gripping them with respective right and left hands, places that grip into a saddle like defined by the curved portions 22 which are mis aligned with both the first ends attached to the body 12, and distal ends 19 and 21. This provides an excellent non slip gripping area whereby the hands gripping the curved portions 22 are more secure and will not easily slide on either the first member 18 or second member 20 with the device 10 engaged to a bar 14.

Shown in FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the device 10 shown in FIG. 1. As can be seen, the axial passage 16 running through the body 12 is in a rotational engagement around the circumference of the bar 14 used for weight exercise to which it is adapted to engage. As noted, this rotational engagement can be accomplished by sliding the bar 14 into and through the axial passage 16 from one end of the body 12 in one mode of the device 10.

In another mode of the device as shown in FIG. 5, a separation 24 communicates through the sidewall 26 forming the body 12 and surrounding the axial passage 16. This allows the sidewall 26 where the body 12 is formed of flexible, yet elastic type, material to be pried or otherwise moved apart along the separation 24 in the sidewall 26, such that the bar 14 may be slid through the expanded separation 24 and into rotational engagement within the axial passage 16. By elastic is meant a material forming the body that when pried or urged to separate at the separation 24, it will return to substantially its same shape and position. Such may be plastic or polymeric material, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or metal, or other material as would occur to those skilled in the art.

This separable mode of the body 12 in FIGS. 4-5, can be employed with any configuration of the device 10 shown or described herein. As noted, alternatively, the device 10 may have a body 12 without the separation 24 and the bar 14 to which the device 10 is adapted to engage, can be slid through the axial passage 16 from one of the openings 17 at the first or second end of the body 12. In all modes herein, the device 10 is preferably adapted for a rotational engagement around the exterior circumference of a bar 14 which is used for weight lifting with weights 15 positioned at opposing ends.

As noted in FIG. 3 is shown a bottom view of the device 10 of FIG. 1. As shown, curved portions 22, extend upward with the device 10 in an as used position on the bar 14. These curved portions 22 located in central areas of each of the first member 18 and second member 20, will position the hands gripping the curved portions 22 of the members, out of line with the first and distal ends, thereby providing the saddle and non-slip grip of the hands to the device 10. Of course, the curved portions 22 could be formed to project downward toward the floor or feet of a user if desired but it has been found through much experimentation that the depicted upward curve, bending in a curve which projects away from the feet of a user, while holding the device in two hands, is more comfortable during use.

FIG. 4 shows another view of the device 10 showing the misaligned positioning of the curved portions 22 defining a saddle on each of the first member and second member 20. This saddle area from the curved portions 22 prevents the hands of the user from sliding off either of the members from this positioning out of alignment with the first ends of both members 18 and 20 engaged to the body 12 and the distal ends 19 and 21.

In FIG. 5 is depicted, the device 10, which as noted, can have a first member 18 and second member 20 extending from engagements to the body 12 to provide hand grips without curved portions 22. Such will still provide the ergonomic positioning of the hands of the user such as in FIG. 1, but in a less preferred mode of the device 10. The balls 28 of FIG. 6 or the hook-shaped end sections 30 of FIGS. 7-8 could be located at the ends of such straight first and second members to prevent slippage. As noted, the balls 28 must have a diameter thereof which is wider than a diameter of the member to which it is engaged.

Also shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 for example, is the separation 24 communicating with the axial passage 16 for the length of the sidewall 26 forming the body 12, which may be employed with any mode of the device 10 shown or described herein. As also noted, where the body 12 is formed of a flexible yet elastic material which will return the sidewall 26 on both sides of the separation 24 to substantially original abutting positions. This separation 24 can be employed to slide the body 12 onto a bar 14 and position the bar 14 in a rotational engagement running through the axial passage 16. Where the material forming the body 12 is flexible and elastic in nature, the separation 24 is best positioned on a side surface of the body 12, that will not be contacting a lower edge of the bar 14 during use.

This positioning is preferred because it was found during experimentation with the device 10 that the weight of the bar 14 and attached weights 15 could possibly cause a flexing of the flexible sidewall 26, and disengagement when positioned under the bar 14. However, if the separation 24 is located on a side of the body 12 opposite this lower side contact such as a top or a rear side of the sidewall 26, such cannot occur. As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the separation 24 is positioned to communicate through the sidewall 26, on a side of the body 12 opposite a side thereof, where the two members 18 and 20 connect at respective first ends thereof.

In FIG. 6 is shown the device 10 having ball-shaped members 28 at the distal ends 19 and 21, of both of the first member 18 and the second member 20 which extend from their respective first end engagements with the body 12 of the device 10 to the sidewall 26 thereof. These ball-shaped members 28 provide additional blocking components preventing the slippage of the hands of the user gripping the members 18 and 20, from sliding off during use.

In FIG. 7 is depicted, the device 10 having linear or straight shaped members 18 and 20, and having hook-shaped end portions 30 at the ends of each of the first member 18 and the second member 20. These hook shaped end portions are also shown in FIGS. 7-8. Experimentation has shown for some users, the hook-shaped end portions 30 provide desirable additional gripping areas and also prevent slipping of the grip off the ends of both members 18 and 20.

In FIG. 9 is shown the hook-shaped end portions 30 being removably engageable to the members 18 and 20, using a slide on engagement thereto and a lock 32 to hold that engagement. The lock 32 may be a spring loaded pin that engages through an aperture in the hook shaped end portions 30, or might be a projection on each of the first member 18 and second member 20, which slides into a slot formed on an interior passage of each of the hook shaped end portions 30 which are so engaged.

As shown in FIG. 9, these hook shaped end portions 30, can also be rotated on each of the members 18 and 20 to an upward or downward curved configuration if desired. The lock 32 in such a rotational engagement would hold the desired position. For example, a pin engaging through any one of a plurality of apertures formed around the circumference of a sidewall forming the hook shaped end sections 30 will allow for a locked engagement at the chosen rotated position. As noted, other locks to hold the hook shaped end portions 30 as would occur to those skilled in the art may be employed.

As noted, any of the different configurations and components can be employed with any other configuration or component shown and described herein. Additionally, while the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments thereof and steps in the method of engagement to a bar on which weights are engaged, a latitude of modifications, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some instance some features, or configurations, or steps could be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. All such changes, alternations and modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of this invention as broadly defined in the appended claims.

Further, the purpose of any abstract of this specification is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. Any such abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting, as to the scope of the invention in any way. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A weight lifting device, comprising: a body, said body extending from a first end to a second end; said body having a sidewall surrounding an axial passage communicating through said body, from a first opening at said first end to a second opening at said second end; said axial passage of said body adapted for a rotational engagement upon an elongated bar which has weights engaged at positions adjacent opposite ends thereof; a first member extending from a first end thereof, in an engagement with said sidewall on a first side of said sidewall, to a second end thereof; and a second member extending from a first end thereof, in an engagement with said sidewall on said first side of said sidewall, to a second end thereof, wherein with said axial passage in said rotational engagement upon a said bar, said first member defines a first hand grip, and said second member defines a second hand grip, adapted for gripping by a user of said bar.
 2. The weight lifting device of claim 1, additionally comprising: a separation communicating through said sidewall to said axial passage; said sidewall formed of flexible material; and said separation forming a passage for said bar into said rotational engagement withing said passage in said body.
 3. The weight lifting device of claim 1, additionally comprising: a first curved portion of said first member positioned in between said first end and said second end thereof; a second curved portion of said second member positioned in between said first end and said second end thereof; and whereby said first curved portion and said second curved portion form respective saddles adapted to prevent slipping of a hand of a user gripping said first or second member.
 4. The weight lifting device of claim 2, additionally comprising: a first curved portion of said first member positioned in between said first end and said second end thereof; a second curved portion of said second member positioned in between said first end and said second end thereof; and whereby said first curved portion and said second curved portion form respective saddles adapted to prevent slipping of a hand of a user gripping said first or second member.
 5. The weight lifting device of claim 1, additionally comprising: a first ball shaped portion located at said second end of said first member, said first ball shaped portion having a diameter exceeding a diameter of said first member; and a second ball shaped portion located at said second end of said second member, said second ball shaped portion having a diameter exceeding a diameter of said second member.
 6. The weight lifting device of claim 2, additionally comprising: a first ball shaped portion located at said second end of said first member, said first ball shaped portion having a diameter exceeding a diameter of said first member; and a second ball shaped portion located at said second end of said second member, said second ball shaped portion having a diameter exceeding a diameter of said second member.
 7. The weight lifting device of claim 3, additionally comprising: a first ball shaped portion located at said second end of said first member, said first ball shaped portion having a diameter exceeding a diameter of said first member; and a second ball shaped portion located at said second end of said second member, said second ball shaped portion having a diameter exceeding a diameter of said second member.
 8. The weight lifting device of claim 4, additionally comprising: a first ball shaped portion located at said second end of said first member, said first ball shaped portion having a diameter exceeding a diameter of said first member; and a second ball shaped portion located at said second end of said second member, said second ball shaped portion having a diameter exceeding a diameter of said second member.
 9. The weight lifting device of claim 1, additionally comprising: a first hook shaped portion located at said second end of said first member; and a second ball hook portion located at said second end of said second member.
 10. The weight lifting device of claim 2, additionally comprising: a first hook shaped portion located at said second end of said first member; and a second ball hook portion located at said second end of said second member.
 11. The weight lifting device of claim 3, additionally comprising: a first hook shaped portion located at said second end of said first member; and a second ball hook portion located at said second end of said second member.
 12. The weight lifting device of claim 4, additionally comprising: a first hook shaped portion located at said second end of said first member; and a second ball hook portion located at said second end of said second member. 